Mersey Manufacturers Offered New Digital Internship Opportunities

Digital Internships Return to Boost Liverpool's Manufacturing Sector

Liverpool, UK – A revamped internship initiative is offering students and graduates a chance to work with cutting-edge manufacturers across the Liverpool City Region, as part of a government-backed push to plug digital skills gaps in industry.

The Made Smarter programme has relaunched its Digital Technology Internship scheme, matching young tech talent with small and medium-sized manufacturing firms working on real-world digital transformation projects.

The move comes after a successful first phase (2019–2022), where nearly 50% of interns landed permanent roles. Among the local success stories is CNC Robotics, a Liverpool-based robotics integrator, which teamed up with University of Liverpool postgraduate Max Barnett through the programme.

Initially brought in to support the adoption of a new CRM system, Max impressed enough to be offered a permanent role. Three years on, he’s climbed the ranks, contributing across software, sales, and marketing, and even representing the firm at global trade shows.

“The internship was a pivotal stepping stone,” Max told W News – Liverpool. “It let me put my skills to work immediately, helped build my network, and gave me confidence to grow in a high-tech industry.”

The return of the programme comes at a critical time for UK manufacturing. According to Made Smarter, 92% of manufacturers expect skills shortages, with over 52,000 vacancies unfilled across the sector. The cost of inaction? An estimated £7.7 billion in lost productivity every year—driven by factors like an ageing workforce, reduced immigration, and weak training pipelines.

To help address these issues, the initiative offers paid, flexible internships for students and graduates in disciplines such as data science, robotics, digital design, and engineering. Interns are guided by Made Smarter’s advisers and placed with manufacturers working on live digital projects.

The programme has also launched a white paper – Digital Internships: How Made Smarter helps SME manufacturers tap into tech talent – which outlines the wider skills crisis and how businesses can get involved.

Donna Edwards, Director of Made Smarter’s North West Adoption Programme, said:

“We’ve seen first-hand how much of a difference digital interns can make. They bring fresh ideas and real expertise into manufacturing firms—and at the same time, gain vital experience that helps kickstart their careers.

“With national funding now secured, we’re excited to expand the programme and support even more Liverpool businesses and young professionals.”

To learn more about how to apply or get involved, visit www.madesmarter.uk.